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Council committee advances ABCA elements of street-program bill, members warn DDOT rules could cost jobs

Committee of the Whole of the Council of the District of Columbia · November 19, 2025

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Summary

The Committee of the Whole advanced Bill 26-147 to the council agenda after debate; the measure would codify emergency street endorsements and add ABCA licensing procedures, but council members warned that separate DDOT rulemaking could impose burdensome requirements and lead to layoffs unless adjusted.

Chair Pro Tempore Kenya McDuffie presented Bill 26-147, the Street Reprogram Endorsements and Protest Process Amendment Act of 2025, saying the legislation would permanently codify emergency authorizations that allow street endorsements through Dec. 31, 2025, require a 45-day public comment and protest period for street endorsements, and expand APCA licensing options tied to Washington Convention and Sports Authority properties.

McDuffie said the committee's changes are largely clarifying and aimed at streamlining the bill; he noted the committee received criticism over time about permitting processes and public-space guidelines and that the bill seeks to address ABCA-related endorsement processes.

Council member Allen warned that DDOT's separate rulemaking for permanent streetery regulations could be burdensome, increase costs for materials and compliance, and risk closures and job losses for restaurants if not aligned with the ABCA elements; he said he will prepare emergency legislation to correct DDOT's rules if necessary. "We heard from businesses that said they would be having to lay off 40% of their workforce if these rules take effect," Allen said.

Members asked whether the bill's registration durations and renewal processes align with DDOT's proposed rules; McDuffie said the three-year registration language is no longer in the bill and the committee is working to align ABCA and DDOT processes. He requested that Bill 26-147 be placed on the council's Dec. 2 legislative agenda.

Next steps: The committee advanced the ABCA-related changes and scheduled the bill for the council agenda on Dec. 2; separate emergency legislation or further committee work may follow to address DDOT rule concerns and alignment issues raised by council members and business stakeholders.